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Disaster Assistance for Bushfire Affected Community in New South Wales

Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and New South Wales Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Police Troy Grant today announced that disaster assistance has been activated for the local government area of Narrabri in response to the bushfires in March 2015.

Minister Keenan said joint Commonwealth-State assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) for relief and recovery measures.

“The Australian and NSW governments are committed to working together to ensure communities affected by natural disasters have help they need to recover and rebuild as quickly as possible,” Minister Keenan said.

The range of assistance measures available include:

personal hardship and distress assistance for affected individuals and families;

assistance for local governments and councils to help with the costs of counter disaster operations and the restoration of essential public assets;

concessional loans for small businesses and primary producers and loans and grants for not for-profit organisations that have suffered physical damage; and

freight subsidies to help primary producers with the costs of transporting livestock, fodder, water, machinery and equipment.

Mr Grant said the assistance provided by the Commonwealth and State governments would provide welcome relief to Narrabri residents and businesses.

“These measures will help individuals, families and the Narrabri community repair the significant damage caused by the bushfires and ease the associated financial burden,” Mr Grant said.

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the NSW Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444. To apply for a concessional loan, grant or freight subsidy, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

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